Pune: Supreme Court Clears Way for Balbharti–Paud Road Project, Orders Environmental Clearance

Pune, 15th October 2025: The Supreme Court has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to obtain environmental clearance before starting construction of the road connecting Balbharti to Paud Road, a project aimed at easing traffic congestion in Kothrud and Shivajinagar.

The proposed 2.1–2.3 km road, which passes near Bhandarkar Institute on Vetal Hill, has been delayed for several years due to opposition from environmental groups. Concerns included potential tree felling, disruption of biodiversity, and disturbance to groundwater levels and ecological balance. Organizations such as Nagari Chetna Manch and environmentalist Dr. Sushma Date, along with ILS Law College, had approached the courts seeking to halt the project. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had also observed that the area falls under the “Deemed Forest” category and recommended stopping construction.

The case was heard by a Supreme Court bench of Justices Bhushan Gavai and Vinod Chandra. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the PMC, which argued that the road would be constructed using non-destructive techniques, including flyovers, to minimize environmental impact. The court’s order now allows the PMC to proceed with the project after obtaining the necessary environmental clearance, according to PMC Legal Officer Nisha Chavan.

Project Benefits:
Reduction of traffic pressure on F.C. Road and Ganeshkhind Road.
Shorter travel time between Kothrud and Shivajinagar by approximately 20–25 minutes.
Alternative route for traffic between Dehu Road–Shivajinagar and Chandni Chowk–Pune Central.

Project Details:
Road Name: Balbharti to Paud Phata Road
Distance: 2.1–2.3 km
Width: Approximately 30 meters
Implementing Agency: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)
Estimated Cost: Around ₹160 crore (may be revised)
Objective: Reduce traffic congestion on Kothrud–Shivajinagar route
While environmentalists continue to voice concerns about the impact on Vetal Hill’s green belt, the PMC has maintained that careful construction will preserve trees and the ecological balance.

Further details will emerge once the court order is received.